2017 Public Policy Issues
State of Indiana:
The Indiana General Assembly began in January 2017.
2017 General Assembly testimony issued by the FHCCI and released to the public:
- SB 558 (2017): Bans cities from passing ordinances to promote inclusionary zoning as it relates to affordable housing and adds language for landlord’s use regarding occupancy limitations in rental housing. Provides that a county or municipality may not adopt or enforce any land use or planning ordinance or regulation that has the effect of: (1) controlling rental or purchase price; or (2) requiring real property to be reserved for lease or sale to certain owners. Provides that a county or municipality may not require the owner of privately owned real property to agree to: (1) any requirement that would have the effect of controlling rental or purchase price; or (2) the payment of a fee, in lieu of a requirement that would have the effect of controlling rental or purchase price, as a prerequisite to consideration or approval of: (A) certain permits; or (B) any primary, secondary, or revised plats. Provides that a county or municipality retains the right to: (1) manage and control the development of a commercial or residential property in which the county or municipality has an ownership interest; and (2) enact, enforce, or maintain any general land use or zoning regulation that does not have the effect of: (A) controlling rental or purchase price; or (B) requiring real property to be reserved for sale or lease to certain owners. Allows an owner of privately owned real property to voluntarily enter into an agreement with a county or municipality that: (1) controls rental or purchase price; or (2) requires real property to be reserved for sale or lease to certain owners; in exchange for incentives or grants. Also includes language as it relates to nuisance ordinances.
- Senate Civil Law Committee: To watch the committee hearing, click here and choose January 30 – then scroll to 27:00 mark on the video for the start of the hearing.
- SB 558 Senate Testimony
- Senate Floor Debate and Vote: To watch the Senate floor discussion and vote, click here and choose Thursday, February 16 – then scroll to the 1:07:16 mark for the start of the debate
- House Judiciary Committee: To watch the committee hearing, click here and choose April 3 – then scroll to 1:08:55 mark for the start of the hearing
- SB 558 House Testimony
- House Floor Debate and Vote: To watch the House floor discussion and vote, click here and choose April 6 (part 2) – then scroll to the 26:44 mark for the start of the debate
Other SB 558 Info:
- HUD Letter on impact of Indiana substantial equivalency
- HUD Keating Memo on Occupancy Standards
- Bill would stop South Bend from holding landlords liable for nuisance properties
- Inclusionary Zoning Frequently Asked Questions by Grounded Solutions Network
- FHCCI Fact Sheet – Ensuring Fair and Affordable Housing Through Zoning
- SB 439:
- SB 439 Senate Testimony
- Follow Pass a Hate Crimes Law in Indiana or the Central Indiana Alliance Against Hate for more info
To follow legislation, committee hearings, floor debate, etc. visit the Indiana General Assembly website.
